Mare | • | 8 Years | • | Herd Mare | • | Mentions

Morrigan [Directly] - Sunna, Atolos, Lorcan, and Asenath [Indirectly]

The mostly dark colored mare with white dapples and patches of fur amongst her coat huffed a small bit as her head was ducked down towards the dry and rocky earth, her chocolate brown colored eyes scanning the barren surface in hopes for perhaps a blade of emerald shaded grass of any sort or to spot a dead bush that someone had passed by. To her disappointment though, she was only to find nothing amongst the pale and desolate surface and just blow some more dust everywhere. The weather was absolutely dreadful in her opinion as it bore down upon her dark colored coat, one of the negatives to such a thing she supposed as it easily soaked up a lot of the heat bearing down upon her and it didn't help that there wasn't a drop of water to help compensate this agitation that always seemed to follow her wherever she stepped. That agitation only increased as she thought of certain things

Her coat was for blending in with the night amongst the many beautiful stars that lit up the sky or for winter when it was able to conserve more heat, and god did she wish right now that she inherited more of her father's brilliant white instead. Naryene lifted her head, taking in her surroundings from her full 15 hand height for a moment and trying to survey the place from where she stood only seeing dry and dusty land, dead trees that barely had even any leaves clinging to their branches, sticks for what was once bushes, and craters for what had been more than plentiful crystal clear water in the form of deep ponds carrying the occasional fish you could see when taking a drink and rushing rivers that always babbled nonsense as things were swept along it's currents

It was a shame really, a big one, and she was sorry to all the foals that were to be and already had been, born during such a dreadful and lost time such as this. Not to mention all the lives lost for both their herd and she was sure many loners that had fallen to the heat or from dehydration. Sunna, the dearly beloved lead mare, was one of the fallen and she didn't doubt for a second that anybody inside and outside of the herd would be taking it harder than her family. Atolos, her half brother but also Sunna's mate, was at least talking to some of the other horses, so she didn't need to concern herself much with his well-being. She trusted everyone else to be able to get his head straight, should he decide to do anything completely that of what a fool would do

Two of Sunna's children, Lorcan the rust colored yearling that seemed to be taking after his father more than his mother at first glance, and Asenath the dark coated mare, had each other, and while that wouldn't seem like much to someone else she trusted them to be able to take care of eachother. Which brought her to another matter. Naryene turned her head towards the direction of where she had last seen Morrigan though was only greeted with blank space, her worry, while not entirely her place, rising for the beautiful sorrel chestnut mare. She reminded her a lot of Sunna in terms of appearance, yet held a mix of both her parents nature's with some of her own more unique attributes that helped define her differently from them mixed into the fray, at least that's what Naryene thought of her

She was admirable, but was also still her niece whether you thought of how she was her half-brother's child or not, and with her being her niece she had a damn good reason and right to worry about her despite her being the age of 4 and capable of handling herself by all means. Her head knew that well, but her heart wouldn't allow that. Naryene felt a pool of worry begin to form inside of her stomach at the sight of a missing space where she last saw Morrigan, and made it her goal to find the mare and check in on her niece in the scenario she might need someone with her family busy and needing their own reassurances. She might get pushed away, but she would sure as hell at least try and talk to her. It took Naryene a moment, then two of walking throughout where the herd set up for the night, before her eyes had finally landed on the Sorrel Chestnut and she was quick to make sure she knew of her arrival with a small whinny. "Greetings, Morrigan." Naryene started, flicking her dark colored and blonde highlighted tail behind her mindlessly as she dipped her head briefly. "How're you holding up with... You know."

Kano

Stallion|Five years|Bachelor|Mentions:Sherwin

Soft beams pooled over his back, warming his coat much to his dislike. But he pressed on, the buzzing discord of insects ringing gently in his tall ears. I wonder what they’ll look like. Yes, he was curious, greatly so. Kano was somewhat aware of the quantity; a good handful of stallions and of course, mares. It's been a while since he’s tailed a herd this large, and that's mainly what's gotten him excited. The more the merrier is what they say, especially for him. He already concocted a plan, and now, as he peered down at his distasteful injury, he sought a look of gratitude instead of disgust. Most of his encounters excluded conversation, instead he’d prefer to simply stand idly by and await ruckus at the noting of his presence; later circling back around to indulge on whatever bounty the herd had left behind.

But now, with what he’s just devised, things would play out a bit...differently. The stallion clopped on at a steady pace, with every rock or leap his sleek mane would tickle his throat and back, the slim parts drooping along his head occasionally tweaking into his eyes by the precarious wind. But he’d soon come to a halt, not because of the dull throb of his wound, but because of the whisper of challenge in the air. Almost immediately his gaze would sharpen, vision jerking cautiously about his surroundings while he swung his legs forth in a swift jog. A little bug has wandered close. Too close for his liking.

And although it almost pained him to deviate from the marked path, he couldn’t risk everything going up in flames because of another stallion. “What a bore.” He muttered eerily beneath his breath, a look of subtle contempt molding his sly features. He was having a particularly good day; stumbling on gold only for another pest to catch wind of the trail as well. A soft echo tightly embraced his mind, uttering smooth words albeit coyly, as if he’d snap with fury. Why don't you share? “I don’t like sharing.” He sniffed, tail beginning a flap of indignation.Yes, he never shares, especially not with something like this.

Tracking the undulating scent of his competitor, Kano progressed his smooth gait into an equally smooth gallop. He was less than pleased but still wouldn’t dare go barrelling in like some type of ungracious blunder. He’d really seem like a fool then, wouldn’t he? The stallion cocked his head high, fateful eyes scouring the immense locale, until finally, he spotted the contender. A small chestnut...stallion. He began an abrupt pause, studying the shifting figure with an unreadable expression. It was only a few heartbeats later that his jowls would rise in a low sneer, a soft chuckle rumbling from his chest. “It appears I’ve worried for nothing.” Another moment's inspection would be carried out, and then he would advance upon the shrimp, ear moved in an unbothered flick.

“You there.” He gave a moment for the opposing horse to acknowledge. “I’m afraid to inform you that there's nothing for you here. You’ll have to go scrambling for water elsewhere.” Kano would distribute a short, sharp gust of air, eyes sparking with devilry. “I’ll provide some assistance.” He’d continue on without an answer. “Look at these ants. They may as well be harboring the nourishment you desire. It shouldn’t be hard to partake of it either, they’ll recognize you quite easily.”

He’d harshly plant his hoof only a few inches beside the mound he had just dug at, the tiny dark insects dispersing wildly upon the ground, frantic that their home had been partially destroyed. But he had been successful in their reveal, and frankly, that's all he really cared about. The stallion stood still, the furious inferno above doing little to melt his baltic, clipped tones. He knew the other male wasn’t really focused on the satiable liquid, but again, he didn’t need to know that. This was just a formal, indirect way of saying..fuck off. It was up to him to decide whether or not he’ll listen.

Rastus had never been silenced before, nor at a loss for words.

Never in all of his years had he searched his mind for something to respond with, only to find nothing, until this very moment.

He didn't like the feeling.

Standing, the stallion stared down at Asenath, hoping she couldn't hear his heart quicken out of fear. Yes, he feared her, that much was certain. Her fire was not something to be underestimated, so when she stepped closer, it took all of his willpower not to inch back.

Though he did flinch when she blew air out of her nose.

Blinking, what more could Rastus do but accept her words like a slap in the face? Finally, after several moments of silence, he found some words, but it was clear that he had been humbled. "I didn't realize.. I thought my comments cheered others up." Tone quieting, it was as if a realization had struck him. Did nobody truly care for his words? "I didn't mean for them to come off that way.. Meaningless?" Pausing, he contemplated his choices for a brief moment. So was she saying that he must be more mellow? Choose his words and compliments wisely?

Shaking his head in confusion for a moment, Rastus was drawn to her words. He couldn't pry his ears away, despite Asenath's chilly tone. He wanted to actually hear what she was saying, rather than dismiss her. The way they flower out nearly put in him a trance. How carefully she selected them. Rastus couldn't help but listen. He needed to hear them so that he could become better.

"Would you put a rose and daisy on the same level?"

Opening his mouth to respond, Rastus slammed his mouth shut as Asenath answered for him. "A daisy can still be beautiful and hold other qualities that a rose does not," he mumbled, unsure if he believed it, or simply wanted to throw something in. Silencing himself, he waited for her to finish before he nodded once, understanding as she concluded. He should have let her finish before speaking.

"I understand."

And he did. Well, he saw things more clearly now anyways. As he began to turn, he stopped in his tracks as Asenath approached, her head raising near his own, her words delivering an icy chill up his spine. "Yes, Rastus, I know exactly how you are." Narrowing his eyes, he suddenly broke out into the same smile she had on, mimicking her. An almost.. Determined look formed on his face, as if he knew a secret that she didn't. He wasn't sure what this odd sensation he was feeling all of a sudden. It was as if he was being challenged, and my, did Rastus like a good challenge.

He didn't want no pitiful daisy. He wanted a rose, and by the looks of it, he was staring directly at one.

Mare | • | 5 Years | • | Herd Mare | • | Mentions

Morrigan

To say that Naryene was only, and quite simply put, surprised at the words that fell from the Sorrel chestnut's mouth along with the icy look she had dawned before she had even got into her little tangent, would be an understatement. To say that only a small, tiny pool of guilt was forming inside of the pit of her stomach along with a cold, bitter taste in her mouth as her niece continued speaking would also be an understatement. A rather big one. For what was going through her head was racing thoughts and in her stomach a whole swirling whirling of things, some she couldn't explain and others more apparent than the rest. First, she wasn't only surprised when the mare before her had first dawned such a cold look, but also a bit confused at first.

As to the darker colored mare, she had simply been wanting to look out for her and make sure Morrigan was holding out okay with the recent events that had taken the herd by storm, and especially that she was doing well because of her mothers passing. With all the stress now put on everyone but especially her father and other families. It hadn't crossed her mind when first approaching her niece that saying such a thing would count as insensitive to the Sorrel Chestnut and end up provoking the mare in the long run. Which was probably why, along with a pool of forming guilt that was getting worse by the second and a bitter taste in the dark colored mare's mouth that was also becoming more apparent at the words, she found the want to kick herself in the head for being so naive and foolish for saying such things without thinking things through

She had been impulsive when she had approached thinking she knew her so well, and somewhat selfish but worried nonetheless. While she was a bit angered at the fact that Morrigan didn't seem to consider that she was simply worried, Naryene was sorry more than anything else that she hadn't considered her niece first and above all. Like she should have from the start even before the drought had started. When Sunna was still around. The rant the Sorrel had ended up going on was also an added surprise to the conversation. While she had expected it to be short and bittersweet, what Naryene had received instead was a waterfall of sentences and cascades of words her mind was barely stringing together and in the end the mare decided to tune her brains thoughts out and just listen silently to what her niece was saying, keeping her expression neutral, but nodding every once in awhile to let her know she was still with her

In the end, when she had finally stopped and was goddamn crying of all things, thoughts and questions were swirling inside of the mare's head, threatening to burst out and just start saying her own barrage of things back but holding onto them for a later date. That would be selfish and inconsiderate of her as her aunt, and if she wanted to look out for her niece and prevent a repeat of what had happened moments prior. More questions would probably only provoke her more, and she didn't want to go spiraling down the emotional rollercoaster farther than the two already had

Naryene paused for a moment, grief across her face along with a small bit of hesitation before she found the courage to finally step towards Morrigan slowly and dipped her head a little bit so she could gently butt her head against the sorrel's neck in what the older mare hoped was a comforting gesture. "I should have known better than to jump in and ask bluntly like that without considering you. Especially considering you're my niece." Naryene started, pausing to find her words and better speak her mind. "I know Sunna would have wanted us to honor her instead of mourning in such a manner we are now. Like foals. The opposite of the herd she had led."

The dark grey mare smiled a little bittersweet, gaze trailing away to look at the desolate ground below her hooves and remind her of what they were going through. "Everyone is foolish in their own rights, and losses are hard to move on from but if anybody can push past this challenge it's her family, her children and your father. Putting thoughts into words is difficult, but no matter what you say to them you're their sibling, their older sister, and they'll appreciate it no matter what. Whatever you have to say, even if it seems hard to start, you'll know exactly what to do when time comes."

Morrigan shook her head to deflect the tears that had formed on her face. She took a moment to compose herself, and she observed the expression of her Aunt. Had she really heard her? Did she truly understand? And from the neutral expression to one of grief she don't think she did. If her Aunt did then she'd understand she'd know the mare didn't want pity. Morrigan appreciated the gesture of comfort, but it made her a bit uncomfortable, and she swiveled her ears backward.

As she listened to her Aunt's words she felt honestly felt a bit better and she said, " I would have to agree. We're taking her death a bit childishly, like we're walking upon eggshells and trying not to talk about the looming subject." and she then turned to her Aunt and stepped back a bit, her words this time were more stern considering her age, " Yes, you should've. I would think you'd have some understanding of me and you should know I don't like pointless pity or being overly comforted. I am not some delicate foal, but a grown mare and the daughter of Atolos and Sunna. We as a herd don't have time to mourn, we should be focusing on not losing anyone else, and once we are safe, then and only then we should mourn."

She then noted the bittersweet smile on Naryene's face and how she looked at the desolate ground between them. Morrigan took a moment to observed said ground. It was lifeless and the grass was almost a wheaten color and was stiff and crunchy. It was far gone from the lush vegitation it used to be.

Her attention was drawn back when her Aunt began speaking again. She apperciated the encouragement from her. She bobbed her head in an silent agreement. She just had to find the right words.

The mare then did something rare. She nuzzled the cheek of Nareyene in a unspoken thanks. And with that she turn using the heels of her hooves. Morrigan simply walked away from Nareyene. The young mare's head was swarming with things, how could she properly express herself to her siblings? Her priority would be talking to Lorcan as he seemed to have shut himself off from family, and even Morrigan had become more emotionally locked. So she could empathize with that.

The mare had made her way toward the edge of the herd. It wasn't quite far as she was still in the range of eyesight, yet their was a distance established between the herd. Morrigan made sure to position herself as to be able to easily run back if needed. Her hocks and hindquarters were tenses, ready to provide her the momentum to spring forward or land a blow on an unsuspecting creature. Her nostrils were flared and alert with her head held high to keep watch.

She seemed more of a lookout than a casual grazer, or a mare trying to collect her thoughts on how to speak to her brother. Maybe she should speak to her father? No, she shouldn't. It was her duty as an older sibling to be able to comfort and understand her brother and sisters.

The mare was frustrated. Taking her hoof and extending her fetlock she stomped the ground in frustration. And her ginger tail was swishing in anger. And a loud, frustrated snort expelled from her nostrils. Closing her eyes she flared her nostrils to take in as many scents as she could; of course she could smell the herd , even the heat had a distinct scent, but she couldn't smell the object of her desire: water. So it appeared that no water was even miles away, either that or it was too far.

She sighed. It would be serious trouble if they went without water for any longer. They could go without food for months, but they couldn't go five days without water. And Morrigan was already starting to have adominal pain even if was just the slightest bit.

The clock was ticking, and Morrigan was hoping a decision would be made soon or else it could spell doom.

Sherwin - Stallion- Bachelor - Mentions: Kano

Sherwin jerked his head up at the voice of another stallion, his ears flicking forward. The other stallion was taller than him, with a darker reddish colored coat and a muscular build; although lean. He didn't want to fight, but his ears went back at the other male's insulting words. Anyone does not like to be insulted, and Sherwin was no different, although he was not as foolish as to pick a fight. The chestnut colored horse took a step back, raising his head and flickering his ears up again, trying to make himself look less ready to fight. But his body was tense, clearly so, but it was more of a ready to run, rather than ready to lunge at his opponent.

Sherwin didn't respond, although it looked as if he wanted to reply with a biting tone. He wasn't particularly willing to leave the trail. The other stallion was following the herd first, but it was not something he would be easily convinced to just leave. There might be water at the end of this, even though no water was around at the moment. It was still worth following the herd, even from a distance. Actually, he got an idea, seeing as this stallion seemed to be quite.. Hostile, to him at least; he would stick around just long enough to see how this interaction would go. If it went poorly, which he was honestly expecting, then he would leave and probably be able to follow the herd at a different direction. Although it still left chances, and probably another interaction at least with this unknown stallion, he might be able to avoid him for a while. It was not completely foolproof, it may actually sound stupid, but it sounds good to him. At least he can try to get along.

The small stallion pawed the ground a bit, and tossed his head up once. He had gotten a pretty good feeling that he would end up leaving regardless, he didn't care for personality types like this stallion that was with him at the moment. Maybe it was the insulting tones. He turned his body to the side slightly, to see the other stallion better, and if the other male attacked him, at least he would not get a blow to the head. Shoving down any retorts was easy for him at this point, seeing as he didn't want any trouble, retorting would most likely not be wise in this situation.

Kano

Stallion|Five years|Bachelor|Mentions:Sherwin, Morrigan

With his thorny gaze beginning yet another scrutinizing sweep over the males tense frame, Kano would take a meaningless step forward with half closed eyes, head sloped down in a relaxed, but nonetheless goading position. It seemed the stallion refused to engage with his derision, and he couldn’t quite decide whether or not he should remain angry or allow a look of puzzlement to shape his prideful smirk. He was close to the latter, for not even a single response was uttered. This was supposed to be the part where they initiate a verbal duel, of course he’d end up as victor, but still, it didn’t take away from the fun. There was another option though.

He’d jerk his light vision towards his rival's slender limbs. He could pass on his amusement and get things over with; charge at this poor chump and inflict various reminders of this exact moment. He’d tap a hoof against the solid ground with some kind of anticipation, slowly raising his head similar to that of a serpent while deliberating thoughts encircled his mind. Is it really worth it though? Just look at him. Taut with prudence, and although he stood tall, the males legs were braced, warranting a swift departure if things got ugly. Could Kano call this competition?

“Not much of a talker, are you?” Allowing his eyes to an irritated flutter, and ejecting a soft breath, he’d continue. “Very well. Since you’ve shown me quite the intense display of leeriness, I’ll just end things here.” The stallion would begin a slight turn, keeping a hoof stilled in mid air while a caustic grin crawled its way to his snout. “I think we can both agree that there would be little benefit in beginning a brawl at a time like this. I’ll be generous just this once and save you some face.” With that being said, Kano would gyrate with grace, puffs of brown dust dancing vigorously along his hooves at the quick movement.

“Tread with caution” He called over his shoulder, a wily warning serving as a chilling undertone to those very words. If he were to bump into that male again, who knows if he’ll be as courteous as he was just a few seconds ago. With precise and spry steps, the dramatic stallion progressed easily across the vast landscape, revisiting the same path he had abandoned earlier. And although there were quite a few hiccups along the way, everything went as planned. With a brief nose touch to the dry, grassy floor, he’d confirm it himself with a satisfied glimmer of ease bouncing about his brilliant stare. Afterwards resuming his brisk gait from before.

If his thoughts were correct, that chestnut stallion would ignore his antagonism and continue on about the scent of the herd. Although the horse seemed to be filled to the hilt with caution, his perceptive eyes had caught the spark of determination riddling the males demeanor, and after a second postulation, he figured another presence besides his own would only help cloak his attendance. And that would be the good thing to come out of it. Snapping his ears forward, Kano faltered, suspiciously eyeing a particularly green patch of grass. Was something wrong with it or was he just having an immense stream of luck?

Despite those niggling words, he devoured the lengthy strips, grazing amongst the dead. It was true, surrounding parts of greenery were just lifeless stains, wrinkled ruthlessly against the compact soil. And now, the slightly yellow turf he had just digested, it was nothing but a mixture of dirt and the lesser sections; too tasteless to enjoy. With an only partially filled stomach, Kano still felt somewhat rejuvenated, tossing his black mane fetchingly against his skin with a gentle chuff before resuming his previous pace.

The wafting aroma of those horses stuck in his nose, some more distinct than the other, some more unpleasant than the other. But his strides had slowed, not exactly languid, but still less enough to where, if that other stallion continued tracking, he’d arrive a little after him. He had passed small sections of woodlands, taking advantage of the popular bark and scrubbing his coat along the occasional tree, leaving a scent that could be deemed an invitation or a warning depending on the horse. There was also a particular, unsettling smell of blood, something much stronger than what drifted from his own wound. For a moment he stood conflicted, assessing whatever danger that could potentially be lurking, enveloped in wavering shadows, but then he noticed it was faint.

Someone, a straggler, must have fallen victim to some predator. And although he grew curious by the second, the stallion continued on, flicking an ear in curt acknowledgment

Only when shifting, colorful figures came into view would he stop, gauging the multitude of the conversing herd. Their ramblings was something he couldn’t quite understand, it was just an echo of incoherent mumbles, but maybe he could change that. Kano took in a breath of air, cocking his head up high despite a possible sighting. He wasn’t terribly near, but still close enough to where certain features could be identified. But then again, this time he was going to try and remain inconspicuous. He was here for a good time, not to impose chaos. But that could be noted as a good time as well in his books.

As he began a crisp inspection of the gathered herd, something would catch his eye, something, or someone alone. “Hm?” Snapping his gaze towards the lithe frame, he’d begin a few careful steps to the side, beginning a small circle along the edges of the vicinity. She was the furthest from the group, as if begging for him to come closer. Shafts of golden light struck the mare’s poised frame, giving her pretty sorrel coat a sort of fiery look, as if she was nothing but a flame herself. At this thought, Kano would narrow his gaze, for once an expression of sly interest settling his face. She would do.

Without another moment of hesitation, the tall stallion would advance, slinking through the trimmed grasses and avoiding the gut of the herd. Only when he was of adequate range would he slightly cock his head to a low, feigning a small limp from his injury with erect ears. And then, well, he'd make himself known

“Why Hello there little phoenix. Were you waiting for me?”